Our history

Our support of St Bartholomew’s Hospital dates back nine centuries, and of The Royal London Hospital three centuries, during which time donations from the people of London have helped patients receive the healthcare they need.

900 years of caring

We can trace our origins back to 1123, when Rahere – a courtier to King Henry I – founded St Bartholomew’s Priory and St Bartholomew’s Hospital. When Henry VIII closed the Priory in 1539, there was outcry among the citizens of London at the possible loss of their hospital too. In 1546, Henry granted the Hospital to the City of London, re-endowing it with properties and income.

Looking to the future

We are dedicated to continuing our history of care and innovation in all of the Barts Health hospitals.

The work you support today is helping to write the history of tomorrow.

Barts Health NHS Trust today

This wonderful heritage of care for the people of our city – and beyond – continues to the present day. Your support now helps the patients of the five hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust: Mile End, Newham, The Royal London, St Bartholomew's, and Whipps Cross.